Commissioner expresses concern over complex's landscaping

Trees and shrubs may provide shade and reduce energy costs at the new $6 million physicians' building in the Lincoln County Medical Center complex, but at least one county commissioner contends saving water is more important.

Commissioner Mark Doth Tuesday pushed instead for the architect to install gravel in a xeriscape approach, eliminate a cistern system and to install sinks with hands-free faucets. But by the end of a lengthy discussion, Doth narrowed his motion, which passed 5-0, solely to the elimination of the cistern system on a recommendation from County Manager Nita Taylor.

The manager began the agenda item by reminding commissioners that during a special meeting Feb. 8, Ted Kostranchuk of Dekker/Perich/Sabatini advised that officials with the project contractor, Jaynes Corp., recommended the deletion of a planned cistern arrangement to catch roof water as part of a conservation effort. The deletion, proposed based on the complexity of the system and on-going maintenance issues, would save $120,000. At that meeting, commissioners directed Kostranchuk to look at other options to save water.

In a memorandum Feb. 19, to Taylor, Kostranchuk wrote that instead of eliminating landscaping, artificial turf be substituted for grass and more water efficient plants and shrubs be selected. Moisture-sensing equipment could be installed, eliminating watering. The main entry roof would drain into a landscape area and a pond will meter a portion of the run-off.

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Combined with hands-free faucets in restrooms, the initiatives should save about 25,000 gallons of water per year, he wrote.

Commissioner Dallas Draper asked if the cistern was eliminated, would the project conform with Ruidoso's water conservation regulations. County Attorney Alan Morel said the village's rules are vague and, "anything you submit probably would be approved under the rule. They don't have any set guidelines on what you have to do."

County Planning Director Curt Temple said village officials want to see some type of water reuse. "You could put a barrel out there and collect rainwater," he said, adding that a cistern system is not specified in the ordinance.

Sinks and gravel

Doth noted that while cutting the cistern system would result in a $120,000 savings, the architect is recommending buying 50 hands-free sinks at $450 per sink for $22,500. Another $30,000 is proposed for landscaping. He suggested installing gravel with water-efficient plants instead. He noted that the use of artificial turf for a 220-square-foot children's play area is suggested for $3,000, when he contended gravel would cost $100. Commissioner Kathryn Minter interjected that the expense just isn't the gravel, a textile must be laid to prevent weeds. The cost would be more, she said.

County Assets and Information Manager Michele Caskey said the architect is using landscaping thoughtfully to keep the water requirement low. "At the same time, some landscaping reduces the energy use of the building," she said. "There was a discussion of using all gravel as an option, but (the architect) concluded the amount saved in water wouldn't offset the higher energy costs for the building.

"I feel like we're micromanaging them," Minter said of the architectural firm. "These kinds of things should have been in the (request for proposals). They're recommending something and we hired them for their expertise."

"This conversation started for saving water," Doth replied. "We might be micromanaging, but I still don't think this architect understands that's our prime focus. Trees offer shade, but take years and lots of water to grow."

Commissioner Preston Stone said without knowing the cost of the gravel option for a comparison, he couldn't vote to change the approach.

Powell said for the difference in the amount of water to be saved, she didn't think it was worth holding up the project.

Taylor suggested to wait for Kostranchuk to be part of the landscaping conversation at the next commission meeting. "I believe he does understand how important water saving is for the county," she said. Taylor proposed voting only on elimination of the cistern and to wait on the other issues.

Jason Parsons, site superintendent for Jaynes, said he's running about 10 people to 15 on site at all times and is in the process or pouring the foundations for the building and retaining wall. The first slab was scheduled to pour today and the remainder on March 28, he said. Steel work will follow.

"We've got about seven to 10 men, who live in the county and contribute one way or another," he said in reference to a question about the local workforce.

Draper asked about the size of the crane to be used on the two-story structure, because of strong winds.

Parsons said the crane extends 210 feet, the outriggers always are used and it is designed to withstand winds of 90 miles per hour. Christ Butler of Jaynes said the cost of the 22,600-square-foot building with "utilities and everything" is about $280 per square foot. The project adjoining the county-owned hospital on Sudderth Drive is on schedule and on budget.